Officials seek security cover for halting theft of minor mineralsin Odisha

Dedicated armed police force sought at strategic locations

With the increasing defiance of unscrupulous elements involved in smuggling minor minerals, security has been sought for Odisha’s Revenue Department officials, who carry out raids to check thefts. State Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary Satyabrata Sahu has sought the deployment of a dedicated police force at key locations to prevent attacks on government officials.

Stating that the theft of minor minerals is a threat to Odisha’s environmental security and revenue interests, Mr. Sahu pointed out that, “During enforcement activities, officers and squads are not only facing unyielding resistance from the mafias but are often being subjected to physical assault.”